Compare entacapone vs. Duopa

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

Comtan (entacapone) enhances the effect of carbidopa/levodopa. It's usually added on when carbidopa/levodopa starts to lose its effect on Parkinson's disease.

Treats advanced stages of Parkinson's disease.

Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa) pumps carbidopa/levodopa into your body throughout the day. It is reserved for advanced Parkinson's disease when your symptoms become more frequent than the dosing of your tablets.

Upsides

Allows you to get more out of carbidopa/levodopa, especially in later stages of Parkinson's disease.

Comtan (entacapone) is available in a single pill combination with carbidopa/levodopa.

Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa) allows you to have better control of your symptoms than oral tablets, especially in later stages of Parkinson's disease.

Downsides

Must be taken with other medicines for Parkinson's disease

Can make you lightheaded especially if you suddenly stand up from sitting or lying down.

Can make you very sleepy

May require frequent adjustments before finding the dose that works best for you

Given via pump so you'll need to have a procedure to attach the pump to your body.

You'll need to take good care of the pump so that it doesn't get disconnected or infected.

Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa) only lasts for 16 hours. You may need to take an extra dose of carbidopa/levodopa as tablet for nighttime control.

You need to keep Duopa (carbidopa / levodopa) in a fridge, but it should sit at room temperature 20 minutes before infusion.